Moscow, January 11, 2025 – The Europe Today: Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has criticized US President Joe Biden, claiming his only legacy will be the “mess” he leaves behind. Her remarks came in response to Washington’s announcement of new sweeping oil and gas-related sanctions targeting Moscow.
The sanctions, introduced by the US Treasury, aim at two major petroleum producers, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, alongside their subsidiaries and various service providers, including insurance and transportation entities. Additionally, over 30 oilfield service providers, insurance companies, and more than 180 vessels used to deliver Russian oil have been blacklisted.
“Some people leave a mark on history, while others manage only a mess,” Zakharova told Russian media, reflecting her sharp criticism of the Biden administration.
The sanctions appear to target a so-called “shadow fleet” that has circumvented previous Western restrictions, including a price cap on Russian oil sales. The measures also blacklist prominent Russian energy executives, including Gazprom Neft CEO Aleksandr Dyukov, LUKOIL head Vadim Vorobyev, and others.
The latest sanctions come in the final days of President Joe Biden’s term, with a new measure allowing the US to target any entity operating in Russia’s energy sector set to take effect in late February, weeks after President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.
Since 2014, the US and its allies have imposed tens of thousands of sanctions on Russia. The penalties intensified significantly following Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Despite these measures, Russia continues to navigate sanctions, maintaining oil exports through alternate means.
